Steve C Posted September 21, 2012 Share Posted September 21, 2012 Hi there, I'm new to the Forum and after advice about a '14 L-4 archtop I'm interested in buying. It's in good condition, straight neck, all original parts and playable. The sustain is short and punchy. Is that normal for this type of archtop? Are there pitfalls in going after pre-WWI guitars (apart from the obvious deterioration issues)? Are the examples from the 20s and 30s better quality and sounding instruments? Any advice will be much appreciaed. Regards and thanks, Steve C Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zombywoof Posted September 21, 2012 Share Posted September 21, 2012 To my ears a good archtop will sound real punchy with a full on midrange. The high end of archtops to me though always tend to sound a bit thin when compared to a good flat top. In terms of pre-WWI guitars - going by the number of Gibson A mandolins built in the 1910s that are still being played, the instruments tend to hang together pretty well. Assuming the neck is OK, the biggest concern would probably be glue drying up and letting go. When it comes to arch top guitars though, I tend to prefer round soundhole to the f-hole guitars. But that is probably because to my ears they tend to sound a bit fatter than the f-hole guitars. One thing I have learned about archtops is you can't just flail away at them like you would an jumbo or dread flat top. Archtops seem to sound their best when played with a softer touch. Also, where you position your right hand - nearer the end of the board, down by the bridge or whatever, really has an dramatic effect on sound - to my ears more so than with a flattop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dennis D near Milwaukee Posted September 24, 2012 Share Posted September 24, 2012 Hi there, I'm new to the Forum and after advice about a '14 L-4 archtop I'm interested in buying. It's in good condition, straight neck, all original parts and playable. The sustain is short and punchy. Is that normal for this type of archtop? Are there pitfalls in going after pre-WWI guitars (apart from the obvious deterioration issues)? Are the examples from the 20s and 30s better quality and sounding instruments? Any advice will be much appreciaed. Regards and thanks, Steve C I own a '30's L-7 and love it. Bang for the buck these L-7's from the '30's (( of course with those picture frame inlays ))are tough to beat for value on the vintage market. I think these instruments respond to different strings, both gauges and types - -flat vs round wound etc. My biggest concern with a guitar this age is I get protective with it and never let it out of the house. I have always wanted an oval hole L-4,and may yet have one - I'd just have to get up the nerve to take it on a picnic sometime. Good luck with your purchase. Dennis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onewilyfool Posted September 25, 2012 Share Posted September 25, 2012 You can get into archtops pretty cheaply, BUT the older ones will most likely need some work. Here is a 1940's Kay I got....needed about $400 worth of work, but I really dig the "old timey" sound. Even old Gibsons and Epiphones usually need some work. So.....get one that has had the work done, and enjoy!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onewilyfool Posted September 25, 2012 Share Posted September 25, 2012 Also, the strings on archtops last a LOT longer than on flattops, must be the structural differences at the bridge.....the ones I have on my Kay are two years old Elxirs, and going strong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onewilyfool Posted September 25, 2012 Share Posted September 25, 2012 Enjoy this....nice old Gibson L-4 down-tuned.....just a great song.....lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.